West Brom talisman eyes new deal

West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino has rejected claims that he is refusing to put pen to paper on a new contract due to a desire to play Champions League football.

During Friday’s press conference at the Hawthorns before Sunday’s fixture against Newcastle United, the 21 year-old striker admitted that he may leave the Baggies to progress his career, but is unsure of when that time will come.

The youngster burst onto the Premier League scene last year and has made a highly impressive start to the current season, scoring seven goals in nine appearances.

This has unsurprisingly attracted the attention of a host of clubs – including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton – yet Berahino is keen to stress that his feet remain firmly on the ground and that an extension of his contract at the Midlands club is a possibility.

“My ambition will be to play in the Champions League and be involved in England seniors and go and play in big tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros,” Berahino said.

“Me saying that doesn’t mean I will leave this year or next year.

“No-one knows. It is just an ambition I have but no-one knows what the future holds.

“I am enjoying my football and I’m playing well at the moment and scoring goals so I’m just letting my football do the talking.

“I am still young and learning in every game. I am taking each game as it comes and I’m still a long way from where I want to be as a player.”

It has been a memorable start to the season all round for Berahino, with his excellent form in the Premier League earning him a first call-up to the England senior squad for their upcoming fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.